By 2035, the UK could make use of sufficient waste heat from expanding data centres to provide heating for millions of homes, provided the necessary 'Heat Highways' infrastructure is put in place. Without such investment, this potential resource may remain untapped.
Many data centres are situated near planned new towns or areas with higher rates of heat poverty. This proximity offers an opportunity to use excess heat efficiently. Without adequate infrastructure, the UK could see this heat go unused rather than contributing to reduced energy costs or improved energy resilience.
In regions such as Manchester, developments like Victoria North could benefit from heat networks supplying warmth to thousands of homes. Without coordinated planning, however, the heat output from data centres risks being underutilised.
Research by EnergiRaven, in partnership with Viegand Maagøe, considers the wider national implications. Their findings suggest data centres could supply enough heat for between 3.5 and 6.3 million homes, depending on efficiency and design factors.
Using waste heat is already common practice in northern Europe. In countries such as Denmark, legislation requires excess heat from data centres and other sources to be integrated into heat networks, replacing gas boilers in homes. In the UK, ‘Heat Network Zones’ have been designated as cost-effective low-carbon heating solutions. Regulatory oversight is set to improve in 2026, with Ofgem introducing new standards aimed at supporting heat network development.
The Warm Homes Plan sets targets to expand the UK’s heat networks significantly by 2035. Some stakeholders caution that current policy trends could result in fragmented, small-scale networks rather than coordinated systems capable of utilising the full available heat.
Financing continues to be a key consideration. Government-backed loans, pension fund investments, and initiatives from organisations such as GB Energy are identified as potential support mechanisms. Local authorities can contribute by mapping network opportunities and conducting feasibility assessments.
Waste heat offers multiple benefits: it can reduce pressure on the electricity grid and lower dependence on imported fossil fuels. If appropriately integrated, it can also help lower household energy costs and support sustainable energy strategies.
With its combination of urban density and anticipated data centre growth, the UK has the potential to develop effective heat networks, provided that investment and planning priorities balance heat infrastructure alongside traditional energy sources.
